Missed Symptoms and Compensation for Necrotising Fasciitis
Failing to examine a patient or failing to recognise the symptoms of necrotising fasciitis can, in the worst scenarios, lead to the death of the patient. Even where the patient does not suffer this extreme outcome, their long-term well-being is likely to be adversely affected, to a significant degree, by such a medical failing.
Recognising necrotising fasciitis
The early possible symptoms of necrotising fasciitis include intense pain in the region of a cut or a wound through which bacteria has been able to gain access to the patient's soft tissue. Additional symptoms could include discolouration of the skin, swelling and tenderness. Necrotising fasciitis most commonly commences in the limbs or the abdominal region or, in the case of fournier's gangrene, in the perineal and genital region. However, it can occur elsewhere and failing to take this into consideration may prove to be a costly mistake. As the condition progresses, the patient may start to exhibit additional symptoms of infection such as a fever or chills.
Any signs, symptoms or suspicion of this life-threatening infection must be treated as a medical emergency. The administration of antibiotics and the commencement of surgical debridement of all infected tissue needs to be initiated as soon as possible in order to halt the spread of the bacteria and limit the physical and psychological impact on the patient.
Negligent medical care
A GP or Accident and Emergency professional may be regarded as having been negligent in the following circumstances:
- A failure to examine the patient or make a thorough assessment leading to a misdiagnosis and delayed treatment
- A failure to recognise the symptoms as possibly indicative of a necrotising fasciitis infection
- A misdiagnosis of the patient's symptoms
- A delay in making a referral for specialist investigation of the patient's symptoms
Compensation for negligence
The consequences of negligence in relation to a necrotising fasciitis infection can be utterly catastrophic. A patient may be rendered disabled, having suffered an amputation of a limb. They may suffer scarring, deformity and loss of function in the affected region.
A successful claim for compensation would address the difficulties and financial losses caused by such an outcome. This might include the costs of care or support where this is necessary. It might also include the loss of income when the patient is no longer able to work or is restricted in the hours or nature of employment they are able to manage.
Speak to a specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a specialist medical negligence legal practice with extensive experience of necrotising fasciitis claims.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim for negligent medical care.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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